Answering the Call: Support the HEAL Mission Appeal at NOL&SG

As Catholic Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ not only within our beloved South Side neighborhoods but across the entire global Church. This summer, we have a unique and beautiful opportunity to practice true global solidarity.

On the weekend of July 25–26, 2026, our parish will participate in the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Missionary Cooperative Plan (MCP). We will host a special second collection dedicated to supporting Home To Enhance African Life (HEAL), a registered Catholic charity doing remarkable work in the rural villages of southern Nigeria.

The Story of HEAL: A Chicago Connection HEAL's mission began in the 1990s when Leo Okonkwo set out to address severe poverty, lack of clean water, and the oppression of widows and orphans in his native Nigerian village. In 2013, seeking support for his rapidly growing ministry, Leo traveled to Chicago and reunited with his old seminary friend, Nick Costello. Inspired by Leo's self-giving faith, Nick co-founded HEAL to form a bridge of hope between Chicago and Nigeria.

How Your Support Transforms Lives: HEAL provides a holistic approach to uplifting communities out of poverty in the Spirit of Christ's Self-Emptying (Phil 2:6-11):

• Education: Running two primary-secondary schools serving 545 students, offering premium classical curriculum and stellar national test performance.
• Nutrition & Agriculture: Expanding Cassava and Maize farming on school grounds to sustainably provide up to 30% of daily food budgets locally.
• Dignity & Protection: Providing free legal aid to widows who are unjustly forced out of their homes, and shelter for orphaned children.

How You Can Participate: Please pray over how you can support this vital work. Whether as a one-time donor or a monthly partner, your contribution changes lives:

• HEAL Helper: $15 monthly gift
• HEAL Healer: $25 monthly gift
• HEAL Hero: $40 monthly gift

Give This Weekend: Please bring your envelope to Mass on July 25–26, or give directly online anytime at HEALnigeria.org. For questions or to learn more about volunteer and mission trip opportunities, contact Nick and the team at [email protected] or 312-952-4855.

"We encourage the Catholic community in the United States to contribute its diverse talents and gifts to the continent’s causes of justice, peace, and integral development." — USCCB, A Call to Solidarity with Africa